Volvo’s product offensive continues with the introduction of the compact XC40 SUV. Unlike its larger brothers, the XC40 is built on the Compact Modular Architecture that Volvo will share with its parent company, Geely, and also will be found under Volvo’s 40-series cars that should follow shortly after the XC40's launch.

The Ian Kettle-designed crossover carries Volvo’s design hallmarks (Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights, ribbon taillights framing the hatch, etc.), but combines it with unique touches aimed at a younger audiences. These include a bluff front end, clamshell hood, rising rear window line, and the option of a two-tone paint scheme highlighted by a contrasting roof panel and door mirror caps. The standard-issue wheels are 17 inchers, but dealers will offer the option of 20-in. rims should the optional factory issue 18 and 19-in. alloys not be big enough. It should look right at home in the local Ikea parking lot.

Parking should be pretty easy as the compact crossover is 174.2 in. long and sits on a 106.4-in. wheelbase. That makes it almost a foot more compact than the mid-size XC60, while the wheelbase is just over six inches shorter and height — at 65.2 in. — is nearly the same. Ground clearance is a generous 8.3 in.

Entry-level models, which use the T4 designation, are front-wheel drive, and powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four with 188 hp and 221 lb.-ft. of torque. T5 models are all-wheel drive, and powered by the same 2.0-liter turbo engine, but this time with nearly 250 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque on hand. Both are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Sometime after launch a hybrid model will be introduced. If it is anything like the XC 40.1 Concept shown in early 2016, it will mate a 180 hp 1.5-liter triple driving the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox with a 74 hp electric motor powered by a 9.7 kWh battery pack that is mounted along the vehicle centerline. The electric motor feeds power to the shaft to which the even-numbered gears are mounted, and can add electric power efficiently through a separate clutch on the input shaft while the gasoline engine drives through the other gear shaft. Total output of this design is a claimed 254 hp, with the plug-in version capable of 30 miles of electric-only range.

This will not be the only electrified powertrain available, however. Some time after the V40 sedan — previewed by the 40.2 Concept — launches, Volvo will offer a full-electric version of the crossover and sedan. In concept form, the hybrid’s central battery pack is replaced by a much larger unit, as well as another set under the front and rear seat areas. Total range is said to be 220 miles.

All version of the XC40 come with a 12.3-in. screen for the main instrument cluster, and the same 9.0-in. tablet-sized center stack touchscreen used on the XC60. Because it is aimed at young couples, the XC40 has a number of unique features. These include: large door pockets created by the absence of low door-mounted speakers, wireless Qi wireless charging in the dedicated cellphone storage space, a pop-up trash receptacle between the front seats, integrated grocery bag hooks, and a customizable cargo area that can store the parcel shelf under the floor panel.

The standard City Safety emergency automatic braking system works up to 40 mph, and can detect pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles and large animals. It also will steer the vehicle back into its lane if its strays outside the lines when there’s oncoming traffic. Other safety systems include Pilot Assist (semi-autonomous driving up to 81 mph), Run-off Road mitigation, and Cross Traffic Alert with automatic braking.

The 2019 XC40 also will be the first Volvo to offer “Care by Volvo,” an all-inclusive, negotiation-free owning option that features a national flat-rate monthly fee that includes maintenance, insurance, wear and tear items, and the opportunity to upgrade to a new vehicle after 12 months. Traditional buy and lease plans also will be offered, and the XC40 will launch early next year in all-wheel drive T5 Momentum form for $36,195. Later that summer, the front-drive T4 Momentum will launch at $34, 195. Ordering the R Design trim level adds $2,500 to both the T4 and T5, though the hot choice might be waiting for a low-mileage Care by Volvo model to be swapped out for a new model. Why take the massive depreciation hit when there’s someone else willing to take it for you?